UNITY in THE BODY of JESUS CHRIST
How does the Bible describe the unity that should exist between Christians? What are your thoughs about Christians and the SBC?
John 6:22-59Yes, I am the Bread of Life! When your fathers in the wilderness ate bread from the skies, they all died. But the Bread from heaven gives eternal life to everyone who eats it. I am that Living Bread that came down out of heaven. Anyone eating this Bread shall live forever; this Bread is my flesh given to redeem humanity. (John 6:48-51, tlb)Christian unity is based on each person’s connection with Christ. How can Jesus give us his flesh as bread to eat? To eat living bread means to accept Christ into our life and become united with him. We are united with Christ in two ways: (1) by believing in his death (the sacrifice of his flesh) and resurrection and (2) by devoting ourself to living as he requires, depending on his teaching for guidance and trusting in the Holy Spirit for power.John 17:6-21Now I am leaving the world, and leaving them behind, and coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your own care—all those you have given me—so that they will be united just as we are, with none missing. (John 17:11, tlb)Jesus’ great desire for his disciples was that they would become one. Jesus wanted his followers to be unified as a powerful witness to the reality of God’s love. Are you helping to unify the body of Christ, the church? You can pray for other Christians, avoid gossip, build others up, work together in humility, give your time and money, exalt Christ, and refuse to get sidetracked arguing over divisive matters.Christians are not intended to live out their faith in isolation. Jesus prayed for unity among the believers based on the believers’ unity with him and the Father. Christians can know unity among themselves if they are living in union with God. For example, each branch living in union with the vine is united with all other branches doing the same (see John 15:1-15).Romans 11:1-24Now if the whole world became rich as a result of God’s offer of salvation, when the Jews stumbled over it and turned it down, think how much greater a blessing the world will share in later on when the Jews, too, come to Christ. (Romans 11:12, tlb)In Christ, unity has been made possible, but it has not yet been fully achieved. Paul had a vision of a church where all Jews and Gentiles would be united in their love of God and in obedience to Christ. While respecting God’s law, this ideal church would look to Christ alone for salvation. A person’s ethnic background and social status would be irrelevant (see Galatians 3:28)—what mattered would be faith in Christ.But Paul’s vision has not yet been realized. Many Jewish people rejected the gospel. They depended on their heritage for salvation, and they did not have the heart of obedience that was so important to the Old Testament prophets and to Paul. Once Gentiles became dominant in many of the Christian churches, they began rejecting Jews and even persecuting them. Unfortunately, this practice has recurred through the centuries.Philippians 1:3-11My prayer for you is that you will overflow more and more with love for others, and at the same time keep on growing in spiritual knowledge and insight. (Philippians 1:9, tlb)The love commanded by Christ should create deep unity among Christians. Have you ever longed to see a friend with whom you share fond memories? Paul had such a longing to see the Christians at Philippi. His love and affection for them was based not merely on past experiences, but also on the unity that comes when believers draw upon Christ’s love. All Christians are part of God’s family and thus share equally in the transforming power of his love. Do you feel a deep love for fellow Christians, friends and strangers alike? Let Christ’s love motivate you to love other Christians and to express that love in your actions toward them.Philippians 2:1-11If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. (Philippians 2:1-2, niv)Unity ought to be a distinctive mark among Christians. Many people—even Christians—live only to make a good impression on others or to please themselves. But selfishness brings discord. Paul therefore stressed spiritual unity, asking the Philippians to love one another and to be one in spirit and purpose. When we work together, caring for the problems of others as if they were our problems, we demonstrate Christ’s example of putting others first, and we experience unity. Don’t be so concerned about making a good impression or meeting your own needs that you strain relationships in God’s family.
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3 comments:
Can Man Be Just a Christian?
At times it appears that in our "Christian world" man is converted to a church rather than to Jesus Christ. Loyalty to a body of believers seems to have priority over allegiance to the Lord Jesus. Although each religion claims faith in the same Bible, because of certain doctrines peculiar to various denominations they separate themselves from one another. Frequently each denomination is divided into a number of sects.
Is it possible for man simply to be a "Christian"? Must he separate himself with some denominational name as Baptist Christian, Methodist Christian, etc.? God doesn't divide believers into various denominations-man does. Even with his own church choice, man is frequently at variance with his brother over some biblical understanding. Also, world Bible scholars differ in matters pertaining to Scripture understanding.
What authority does one believer have in saying, "I am right and you are wrong," or "I am more honest than you." Certainly the Bible is right, but does it necessarily follow that I am the one who has perfect understanding? Do you ever differ with members of your family over some conviction? Does it mean that you are no longer a member of that family? If there can be no unity in diversity, there is simply no possibility of unity, for we all differ in many things.
When the BIble talks of unity, I'd imagine it's on the basis of unity as they had it then. And based on what it was based on, then.
It seems to me their faith was pretty well demonstrated by Peter's sermon on the day of Pentecost. I doubt seriously they were swayed (or impressed) by who could take communion, who baptized them, who could and couln't teach, all the garbage we've drug into the mix.
Shame on us. I don't know a lot about your theology, but brother, trust me, there's no lack of unity here.
Bob,
Thanks for visiting and your comment. You and I have very simular background, before becoming Baptist.
We lived in Escondio, Ca for 28 yrs before retiring here in Bonham, Tx. We joined the Presbyterian PCA church and were in Heaven with all the Theologians from Westminister Seminary, Ca as members in the church. They were Elters and Sunday School teacthers and friends, so you know how Blessed we were being in the God’s Word. Our small group studied the Westmonister Confession of Faith in Detail.
We had no idea that a church or churches could be so pittiful as we found when we moved to Texas, infighing, gossiping and slandering.
I just pray that the SBC will get it act together and this will take much Prayer. It may also be God’s calling His True Children to be called to a Great Awakening for purity in His Word. Bonham is a small town with 17 Baptist churches within a 6 mile radius. The churches have split so many times over spilled milk and there is very little Cream and a lot of Tradition.
We are now in a small Reformed Baptist church with Pastor Jeff Richard Young of whom you have met.
In His Name
Wayne
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