"The Mark Of A Great Church" Unity!

Vero, Rick & Nathan teaching kids

Relate: One of the most wonderful things that we can enjoy while on this earth is our family and friends. But, there is nothing worse than having relational issues with your own biological family, friends, co-workers and church family!

For the past three years, I have tried to work past relational issues within my extended family and it has not been easy! There is not a week that goes by that I don’t pray, asking God to give me the words or actions it’ll take to bring unity back into our family. Honestly, I really don’t see things getting any better, short of a God-intervening miracle!
Just recently, Gayla came into my office in tears. I stopped what I was doing and asked her to please share with me what was troubling her. She pushed her way through the tears, gained her composure and shared that she was taken back by how mean people could be. Once again this “mean spirited” person had deeply wounded Gayla and her brother while they were actually there helping this person!

The reality is that scripture is being fulfilled: “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn "a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, 
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law ...” (Matthew 10: 34, 35)

I don’t like what this says, but I do know that anytime you take a stand for what is right and true, you will more than likely find yourself in disunity and conflict! However, most disunity and conflict are not typically caused by -taking a stand for right, but because of selfish reasons! Satan enjoys seeing us at odds because he knows, “Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall.” (Luke 11:17)

Read: Ephesians 4:1-16

Recite: “3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”  (Ephesians 4:3-5)

Research:

(vv. 1-2) God has chose us to be Christ’s representatives on earth. In light of this truth, Paul challenges us to live lives worthy of the calling we have received - the awesome privilege of being called Christ’s very own. This includes being humble, gentle, patient, understanding, and peaceful.

(v. 2) No one is ever going to be perfect here on earth, so we must accept and lover other Christians in spite of their faults. When we see faults in fellow believers, we should be patient and gentle.

(v. 3) To build unity is one of the Holy Spirit’s important roles. He leads, but we have to be willing to be led and to do our part to keep the peace. We do that by focusing on God, not on ourselves.

(vv. 4-7) All believers in Christ belong to one body; all are untied under one head, Christ Himself. Each believer has God-given abilities that can strengthen the whole body. Your special ability may seem small or large, but it is yours to use in God’s service.

(v. 8) In Psalm 68:18, God is pictured as a conquerer marching to the gates and taking tribute for the fallen city. Paul uses that picture t teach that Christ, in His crucifixion and resurrection, was victorious over Satan. When Christ ascended to heave, He gave gifts to the church, some of which discusses in this passage.

(v. 9) The lower earthly regions may be (1) the earth itself (2) the grave or (3) Hades. However we understand that Christ is Lord of the whole universe, past, present and future. Nothing or no one is hidden from Him. The Lord of all came to earth and faced death to rescue all people. No one is beyond His reach.

(vv. 11-12) Our oneness in Christ does not destroy our individuality. The Holy Spirit has given each Christian special gifts for building up the church. Now that we have these gifts, it is crucial to use them.

(vv. 14-16) Christ is the truth (John 14:6), and the Holy Spirit who guides the church is the Spirit of truth (John 16:13). Satan, by contrast, is the father of lies (John 8:44). As followers of Christ, we must be committed to the truth. This means both that our words should be honest and our actions should reflect Christ’s integrity. Speaking the truth in love is not always easy, convenient, or pleasant, but it is necessary if the church is going to do Christ’s work in the world.

Reflect:

• Would you consider yourself easy to get along with? Why or why not?
• Is there someone whose personality really annoys you? Why?

Respond:

• How well are you doing at being Christ representative? What needs improving?
• Are you spiritually mature, exercising the “fruit of the Spirit? Share an example?

Request:

• Ask God to reveal where and how you should use your unique gifts to contribute to the unity, strength and health of the body of believers.

Some excerpts from : “Life Application Bible”, NIV,  Zondervan

*Pictures are of our Costa Rica mission trip in 2008.

Sierra Vista brothers helping Sam DiPace