Unity

Unity is more than sitting together at Church.

1. SATAN'S STRATEGY IS TO DIVIDE CHRISTIAN'S AT ALL COSTS

   1. “Satan always hates Christian fellowship” We give him strength when we are divided. This can be over big or small things. (Red and Blue hymnals)
   2. Ephesians 4:3 “Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
   3. This impacts how others see us

2. SATAN'S TOOLS

   1. When we grumble, John 6:43 “Jesus answered them, Do not grumble among yourselves”
   2. When we destroy one another, Galatians 5:15 “But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.”
   3. When we envy one another, Galatians 5:26 “Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”
   4. When we repay evil for evil, 1 Thessalonians 5:15, “See to it that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.”
   5. When we complain about one another, James 4:11; 5:9 “Do not speak evil against one another, brothers.” . . . ‘Do not grumble against one another brothers.”

3. CHRIST'S STRATEGY

1. Peace with one anther, “Mark 9:50 “Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”
2. Have a unity of mind, Romans 12:6; 15:5 “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, out us use them, if prophecy, in proportion to our faith” . . . “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus.”
3. Accept one another, “Romans 15:7 “Therefore, welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”
4. Give deference to one another, 1 Corinthians 11:33 “So then brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.”
5. Tolerate one another, Ephesians 4:2 -3“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.”
6. Be forgiving with one another, Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Colossians 3:13 “Bearing with one another and , if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other, as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive.”
7. Confess and pray for one another, James 5:16 “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of righteous person has great power as it is working.”

What about you?

1. Are you promoting unity or division in the church?
2. If you are a grumbler, gossiper, envious or a complainer, it is time to repent today.
3. In order to have unity we must “Bear with one another in love”.