Unity in Christ

 Years ago, as new believers, we attended an inspiring worship service at another church. We were surprised to see friends from all over town - brothers and sisters in Christ from other churches! (We know now that we have sisters and brothers in Christ all over the world.) We are one in Christ! Let this thought thrill you.                                                                                           

What is unity in Christ?

Jesus said, “On this rock I will build my church” (Matt. 16:18). The rock is Peter’s recognition that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. When the church is built on Him and his Word it will be a transforming unified church. No one can be a stay-at-home Christian. We need to worship with our church family to grow our faith. We need connections with other believers or the fire of the Spirit will burn out. We need community! There is spiritual power in unity in Christ.

Danger of Losing Your Spark 

Many churches today have lost their spark and their unity. In Revelation 1:20-3:1, John has a vision of Jesus among the seven golden lamp stands (churches). The church at Ephesus left its first love. The church at Pergamum accepted false doctrines. The church at Thyatira allowed immorality among them. The church at Sardis was dead. The church at Laodicea was lukewarm. Two churches showed unity in Christ. The church at Smyrna endured persecution. The church at Philadelphia kept His word, didn’t deny His name.

Which church are you a member of?        

Brothers and sisters, where are you among these churches? Have you left your first love or does your heart warm within you at the mention of His name? Have you accepted false doctrines, or are you holding to the Truth of his Word? Are you lukewarm or are you on fire for the Lord? Are you living in an immoral way or are you keeping the standards of purity and holiness He set for us? Is your faith dead? Are you just going through the motions?

Be like the church of Smyrna and Philadelphia

Turn to Jesus and repent. We need to examine our hearts daily, recognize our sin and seek his forgiveness. We need to seek Him with all our heart. Then the church will be on fire. We need to be humble and willing to face persecution, like the church at Smyrna. We need to keep His Word and not deny His name, like the church at Philadelphia.

Jesus prayed

Jesus prayed for the church through the ages, including us, saying, “I pray for those who will believe in me through their [the disciples] message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” (John 17: 20-23).

Unity in Christ is what our purpose in this life is all about!

Blessings, Dottie