CHRISTIAN UNITY

1. What is Christian Unity? 2. Denominations? Controversies? 3. Is it possible? 4. What do you say about believer and nonbeliever togetherness? 5. What does bible say on Unity and Uniformity? 6. Hindrances caused in unity among believers?

ORGANISATION OF PRESENTATION

Introduction Importance of Unity Basis of Unity

Reasons of unity
Hindrances of Unity General Discussions and Queries?

Introduction

The psalmist said in Psalm 133:1: "Behold, how good and how pleasant <it is> for brethren to dwell together in unity!"

The basis of Christian unity - brothers Christian unity is our common relationship to the heavenly Father. When Cain slew Abel, not only was the first murder committed; but it showed that the brotherhood of man had also been put to death. The blessing of Christian unity - good and pleasant It is good and pleasant as far as the world is concerned It is good and pleasant as far as the Lord is concerned

John 13:34-35

Introduction

CHRISTIAN UNITY
When it was born in Jerusalem, the church was a Fellowship. When it went to Greece, it became a Philosophy. When it went to Rome, it became an Institution. When it went to Europe, it became a Culture. When it went to America it became an Enterprise. How the Church needs to return to being a Fellowship!

Introduction

Someone once said: "Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, and working together is success."

As one Flock, we are gathered together. As one Family, we dwell together. As one Body, we are joined together. As one Temple, we are framed together. As one household, we are built together. As one Kingdom, we are to strive together. As one Church, we worship together.

Unity is an important New Testament doctrine, and it is everyone's responsibility. Unity in the Lord's church affect all of us. A. It affects us spiritually (Prov 6:6, 16-19). B. It affects us mentally. C. It affects us physically.

Importance of Unity

A.

The unity of the N.T. church was important because:

1. Jesus prayed for it (Jn 17:20-22).

2. The Apostle Paul pleaded for it (1 Cor 1:10; 3:3-5; phil 1:27;Phil 2:1-2) 3. The church practiced it (Acts 4:32).

B.

The unity of the N.T. church was not:

1. 2. 3. A union of conflicting forces. A federation of denominations. An alliance of religions.

C.

The unity of the N.T. church was:

1. Jews and Gentiles, bond and free, males and females becoming one in Christ (1 Cor 12:13; Gal 3:26-28).

Importance of Unity

D.

The unity of the N.T. church was oneness in Christ.

1. They believed the same gospel (Mk 16:15-16; Rom 1:16; Gal 1:6-9). a. b. c. d. e. Heard (Rom 10:17); Believed (Jn 8:24); Repented (Lk 13:3); Confessed (Mt 10:32); Baptized (Acts 2:38).

2.

They had obeyed the same gospel.

3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

They had been added to the same church (Acts 2:47). They kept the same ordinances (1 Cor 11:2). They continued in the same doctrine (Acts 2:42). They wore the same name (Acts 11:26). They were of the same mind (Phil 1:27). They spoke the same things. They walked by the same rule (Phil 3:16).

10. They had the same love one for another (Phil 2:2).

Basis of Unity (Doctrine)

A.
1.
2. 3. 4. 5.

The Bible gives us the pillars of unity (Eph 4:1-6).

One body - unity of organization (Eph 1:22-23; Ep2:16).
One Spirit - unity of revelation (Jn 16:13). One hope - unity of aim (1 Pet 1:3-4). One Lord - unity of authority (1 Cor 8:6; Phil 2:9-11). One faith - unity of doctrine (Jude 3; Eph 4:13).

6. One baptism - unity of practice (Mt 28:19; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; 1 Pet 3:21).
7. One God and Father - unity of deity (Deu 6:4; Isa 43:10).

Basis of Unity (Doctrine)

B.

The Bible gives us patterns of unity.

1. Our unity should be like that which exists between God and Christ (Jn 17:20). 2. Our unity should be like the members of the physical body (Rom 12:4-5). 3. Our unity should be like that of a husband and a wife (Eph 5:30-32). 4. Our unity should be like a finely knitted sweater (Col 2:2). (Christian unity Does Not Mean Uniformity)

Reasons of unity

A.

There are a number of reasons why we need to be united.

1. Jesus prayed for it (Jn 17:20-22).

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

That the world might believe. That the church might be glorious (John 17:22). There is encouragement in unity. There is joy in unity (Psa 133:1). There is progress in unity (Acts 2:46-47). There is strength in unity (Mat 12:25).

Hindrances of Unity

A.

The preaching and teaching of opinions (1 Pet 4:11).

B. C.

Selfishness is a hindrance to unity (Phil 2:4). Loyalty to a man or a group hinders unity (1 Cor 4:6). Example 1: orchestra (see John 17:21). Example 2: Walls of Jericho

Example 3: Tower of Babylon

Example 4: Noah and his family building the ARK Example 5: Ants, Birds (Synergism)

Conclusion