Unity Psalm 133 From the practical viewpoint, unity is most utilized in the local congregation and this is also the place where most dangers exist. It is not practical to think of fellowship or unity on a brotherhood basis. I can do very little about such unity. But I can do my part in the local church and with my brethren. This should be our attitude concerning Bible unity. Some may be familiar with the term “ecumenical movement.” This movement attempted to promote unity on a national or world-wide basis and tried to include everyone on the basis: “Just agree to disagree.” The result: Compromise that included every doctrinal position except truth; every immoral position except morality; and accepted every view of faith except faithfulness.

Psalms 133:1-3 Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.

Bible Unity What Does the Bible Teach About Unity? The following scriptures show us what the Bible teaches concerning unity. Bible Unity

John 17:20-21 I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

Acts 4:32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.

Romans 12:16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.

Romans 15:5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,

2Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. These passages describe unity as God desires. Unity as between God & Christ.

Standard Required Such Unity Requires A Standard: It is as true in the spiritual realm as in the physical: Time, Law, etc. A standard requires submission: Any law is good only as it is obeyed.

Psalms 119:104-105 Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Psalms 40:8 I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart. Some attempt to set up unrealistic standards: Can do what we feel is pleasing to God

Matthew 7:21 Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Letting our conscience determine right and wrong

Acts 23:1 And looking intently at the council, Paul said, "Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day." Proposing to just “let Jesus be our standard” but one often means by this: “love everyone” and “don’t be critical of anyone.” Elements of compromise seek to destroy the force of truth and replace it with a spirit of permissiveness toward error. If Jesus is our standard we must use the standard He followed

Bible As Standard The standard of Christ is the Word of God The Bible Is Our Word of God The words of Jesus must be obeyed. He has ALL authority and therefore in order to have Bible unity we must abide in His teaching.

Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Constant

Psalms 119:160 The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever. It is truth

John 8:32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. frees

John 15:3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.

Matthew 4:4 But he answered, "It is written, "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" sustains

Psalms 119:110 The wicked have laid a snare for me, but I do not stray from your precepts.

Psalms 119:130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. Enlightens, gives understanding

1Peter 1:25 but the word of the Lord remains forever. And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. It reveals

2Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. It prepares

John 12:48 The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. It judges

We must Listen to God Nadab & Abihu: Lev 10 Uzzah 2Sam 6 Today 2John 9 Some Have Not Learned the Importance of Listening to God Bible unity is only achieved in the keeping of the truth of God’s word, however, some have not learned the importance of listening to God, letting Him be the true source of unity by truth. We must never seek unity at all costs. Some seek unity regardless of the truth.

Leviticus 10:1-2 Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it and laid incense on it and offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, which he had not commanded them. And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord.

2Samuel 6:6-7 And when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him

2John 1:9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.

Unity in Practice The church of the Lord is certainly encouraged and commanded to have unity.

1Corinthians 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. We must exhibit a genuine care and concern for Christ and our brethren before unity can be realized.

Philippians 2:1-4 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Love is a necessary ingredient in possessing Bible unity.

1John 4:7-8 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. The Jerusalem church proved the possibility and blessings of unity.

1John 4:20-21 If anyone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. The Jerusalem church proved the possibility and blessings of unity.

Acts 2:42-47 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Acts 4:32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. The divine pattern for Bible unity has been established. The question is: Do men even care? Will it be given the weight and importance that it deserves?

Ephesians 4:1-7 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call-- one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.

Ephesians 4:1-7 One body - unity of organization One spirit - unity of guidance One hope - unity of aspiration One Lord - unity of authority One faith - unity of hope One baptism - unity of practice One God - unity of worship All must stay focused on the Bible teaching of unity.

Can We Have Unity? This would be like asking: “Is it possible for all men to be saved?” Yes, but not all WANT to be saved. Not all are willing to repent. So it is with unity. Not all are willing to repent and submit to the authority of Christ

John 4:24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. There can be no unity if we fail to respect this message.

Unite on God’s Word There is no plea for “peace at any price.” Our primary consideration is to do the will of God. Unity and peace will then be the result in order to honor Him. May we all strive to put God and others first in our life so that we can remain focused on His will while teaching and exhorting one another.