the world's greatest task: finishing the work Jesus began.
Posted on 05/05/2023 3:45:15 AM PDT by metmom
"The names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; and James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax-gatherer; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Him" (Matt. 10:2-4).
Unity in the Spirit is the key to a church’s overall effectiveness.
Unity is a crucial element in the life of the church—especially among its leadership. A unified church can accomplish great things for Christ, but disunity can cripple or destroy it. Even the most orthodox churches aren't immune to disunity's subtle attack because it often arises from personality clashes or pride rather than doctrinal issues.
God often brings together in congregations and ministry teams people of vastly different backgrounds and temperaments. That mix produces a variety of skills and ministries but it also produces the potential for disunity and strife. That was certainly true of the disciples, which included an impetuous fisherman like Peter; two passionate and ambitious "sons of thunder" like James and John; an analytical, pragmatic, and pessimistic man like Philip; a racially prejudiced man like Bartholomew; a despised tax collector like Matthew; a political Zealot like Simon; and a traitor like Judas, who was in it only for the money and eventually sold out for thirty pieces of silver.
Imagine the potential for disaster in a group like that! Yet their common purpose transcended their individual differences, and by His grace the Lord accomplished through them what they never could have accomplished on their own. That's the power of spiritual unity!
As a Christian, you're part of a select team that is accomplishing the world's greatest task: finishing the work Jesus began. That requires unity of purpose and effort. Satan will try to sow seeds of discord, but you must do everything possible to heed Paul's admonition to be "of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, and intent on one purpose" (Phil. 2:2).
Suggestions for Prayer
Pray daily for unity among the leaders and congregation of your church.
For Further Study
Read 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, noting how Paul addressed the issue of disunity in the Corinthian church.
From Drawing Near by John MacArthur Copyright © 1993. Used by permission of Crossway Books, a division of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.com.
Studying God’s Word ping
Prayer For Unity In The Body Of Christ
Loving Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to be with us, to live in us and to guide us into the way of peace and truth. We pray You would grant all those that are Your children, the spirit of wisdom and unity, so that we may be one, even as You are one with our Lord Jesus Christ, and He with You.
Enable all those that are part of the true Church, the body of Christ, to walk worthy of the calling whereby we have been called, and to live and work together in love and unity. Use us individually and collectively to reflect the love of God, the fellowship of the Holy Spirit and the grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ, so that we may be fruitful branches, and bear much fruit to the glory of God and to the praise of His holy name
Teach us how to live together in unity, and fellowship with one another. Lead us into the paths of peace and righteousness, so that we may be well pleasing in Your sight.
Teach us how to love one another as Christ loved us, and keep us from doing anything out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but rather teach us humility of heart, so that we consider others before ourselves. Help us to be slow to anger and quick to forgive as we abide in You and You in us. This we ask in the precious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
Amen.
Source: https://prayer.knowing-jesus.com/prayer/prayer-for-unity-in-the-body-of-christ-925
Competition among organizations is good, not just for businesses.
The competition for followers among the various Christian denominations has resulted in a more vibrant Christian community in the United States, compared with the moribund state of Christianity in Europe where state churches enjoyed a monopoly.
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