uni·ty
noun\ˈyü-nə-tē\
Definition of UNITY
1
a : the quality or state of not being multiple : oneness
2
a : a condition of harmony : accordb : continuity without deviation or change
3
a : the quality or state of being made one : unification
4
: a totality of related parts : an entity that is a complex or systematic whole
John 17: Jesus' prayer - that there would be unity among his disciples; that they will be 'one' and united with each other - just as the Father is in Jesus, and Jesus is in the Father.
This is a complete unity - there is no separation as they are one with each other;
they do not deviate from one another; God never changes.
Ephesians 4: Unity in the Body of Christ - always be humble, gentle and patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults. Stay united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with one love and peace. There is one body and one Spirit.
There is one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one Faith, one baptism,
one God & Father, who is over all and in all and living through all. Eph. 4:4-5
Christ is the head of his body; the church. Christ makes the whole body fit together perfectly & each part does its own special work... so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Eph. 4:15-16
Romans 10:9: If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord", and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
As believers, we have an enlightened freedom in Christ, but some will have convictions at times during their walk. But as Paul tells us in Romans 14 - we are to accept all believers, even those weaker in their faith, and not argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. We are told to be tolerant of believers who have different practices than us. He feels that people on both sides of an issue can be genuine believers and he does not think the issues that are fought over are essential to the faith.
If a believer is following Christ, making Him the Lord of their lives, and honoring Him in what they do - then who are we to argue with, judge or condemn them?
Romans 14:17-19: the Kingdom of God is[...] of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.
The purpose of the Church (the body of Christ) to teach & make disciples of believers, so that they can go out and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. Look at all of the denominational splits today... the Church (body of Christ) has been spending to much time arguing with each other over who is right and who is wrong.
If there is disunity, intolerance and fighting among believers, the Church's testimony is not convincing to the world.
God is calling His church; He is calling Christ's bride. Set aside our differences; set aside those things that are not worth arguing over. Stand up for our Savior (and our Savior alone!). Rise up together, united, as one body in Christ. Join hands with each other and proclaim Christ as loud as we can to all of the nations!
Matthew 28:19: Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Mark 16:15: And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.
God is calling us, Church. Can you hear?
Not all who have ears hear...
He is calling; can you hear? Will you say "yes" to Him?
Will you set aside your differences with other believers, and stand up & proclaim Christ, and Christ alone?
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