Category: Unity in Diversity
Subject: Unity in Diversity
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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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: 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: Finding Common Ground
This seventh sermon preached by Jerry Fite in our gospel meeting May 9-14, 2009 reveals the only legitimate way we can find common ground religiously.
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
In The News: A “More Diverse Context”
An article in the January 3 New York Times related the religious convictions of Tom and Claudia Riner of Louisville, KY.
Tom is the pastor of a small Baptist church, and has served as a Democratic representative in the Kentucky state legislature for the past 26 years. He is constantly introducing legislation that is designed to keep faith in God at the center of government and society. As such, he and his wife are constantly opposed by such groups as the ACLU, and have had numerous pieces of legislation overturned by the Supreme Court.
Sermon: Unity – Is It Based in Diversity? Or Truth?
The sermon used the recent rift in the Episcopal church to teach a lesson on the importance of Biblical unity. The scriptures clearly teach that unity is based on the truth of God’s word.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sermon: Gospel Meeting Sermons (Scott Gilmore)
Since we have waited until the meeting was over to upload the sermon files, I am going to include all five sermons by brother Scott Gilmore in a single post. Note: At this time the powerpoint files are not available, but will be uploaded in a few days.
Saturday Night: 11/3
Reason and Reading: Brother Gilmore emphasized the necessity of Bible study and the use of reason to establish authority for our religious practices. This is a fine lesson on the subject of authority.
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sunday Morning Class: 11/4
Miracles: The Bible class was an interesting discussion of Bible miracles. The miracles and their purpose were examined.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sunday Morning Worship: 11/4
Does Faith Move?: In this lesson brother Gilmore contrasts the false doctrine of “Faith Only” with the Bible teaching of an active faith leading to obedience to God.
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sunday Evening Worship: 11/4
Repentance: Brother Gilmore turns to the scriptures for a discussion of repentance, as required by God for salvation.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Tuesday Evening Worship: 11/6
Dangers Facing the Church: Brother Gilmore shows from the scriptures the dangers facing God’s people today due to improper attitudes toward the preaching and teaching of God’s word.
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
AOTS: I’m O.K., You’re O.K.?
AOTS Number 80
Our society is tolerant of everything except for intolerance. The attitude? Don’t Judge Me! This can not be the attitude of the child of God.
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Sermon: Unity and Diversity
In 1 Corinthians 12;12-ff, the apostle Paul indicates that we as Christians are diverse members of the one body. With Christ as head, we each do our part to edify the body as we give heed to Him.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
