Come now, and let us reason together… Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
On Christian Unity
Let us Strive for Unity - not division Ephesians 4:1-6 1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Let us Strive for Unity Ephesians 4:11-15 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Jesus desires us to be as one (John 17) 11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name
those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. 20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. 24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. 26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.
The Apostles Direct us to be of One Mind 1 Peter 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
Philippians 2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
Romans 15:6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Apostles Direct us to be of One Mind Acts 2:1-4 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Acts 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
When we Disagree
Christians Don’t always agree ●
The apostles disputed about who should be the greatest in Christ’s Kingdom
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They disagreed about the role of circumcision in the church (Acts 15)
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Paul and Barnabas disagreed over their travelling companions
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The apostles didn’t want to go into Samaria during Jesus’ ministry
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Church members argued over who got baptised
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The Jewish church struggled with ministry to the Gentiles
Christians Don’t always agree Acts 15:36-40 36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the LORD, and see how they do. 37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. 38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. 39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; 40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
Christians Don’t always agree 1 Corinthians 1:10-11 10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 11. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
1 Corinthians 11:18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
Study
Christians Don’t always agree 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Philippians 1:17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.’
Debate
Debating those hostile to the church ●
Paul disputed with the the Grecians (Acts 9:29)
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He also disputed with the Jews (Acts 17:17)
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He spent two years disputing in Ephesus (Acts 19)
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Stephen disputed with the Libertine Synagogue
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We should contend for the faith Jude 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
Acts 19:9 But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. 10 And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
Acts 6:9 Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.
We should attempt to restore those in error James 5:20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Hebrews 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
1 John 4:6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
Referring Debates to Elders Acts 15:1-2, 6-7 1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. 2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. … 6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. 7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe…
Turning Away
Marking for Division Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
2 Timothy 4:14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
2 Timothy 3:8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
1 Corinthians 5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
Disfellowshipping 2 Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
1 Corinthians 10:20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
1 John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
Turning Away 2 Timothy 3:1-5 3 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Those things About which We MUST agree
Where we MUST Agree Hebrews 6:1-2 The Foundational Doctrines of our Faith 1.
Repentance from Dead Works (sin)
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Faith Toward God (Belief/Confession)
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The Doctrine of Baptisms i.
Water - By full immersion, in the Name of Jesus Christ
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Spirit - As evidenced by speaking worshipfully in tongues and/or prophesy,
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Laying on of Hands (Spiritual Gifts, Ordaining to ministry)
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Resurrection of the Dead (By the holy spirit)
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Eternal Judgment (at the end of days)
Where we MUST Agree We are MONOTHEISTS - Believers in a single supreme spirit deity. There is ONE creator God. This God is referred to in the Bible as YHWH, Jehovah, Adonai, Elohim, HaShem, or simply “God”. There are no other gods beside the True God. “God” is invisible (Romans 1:20), incorporeal (Luke 24:39), omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent, self-existent, beyond the limits of space, time, dimensions, matter. He transcends all existence (creation) and has a single will, person, and nature. His ontology comprised of moral and non-moral attributes. As to the moral, he is perfectly moral and therefore “holy”. As to the non-moral, his nature is “spirit”. Therefore God is “Holy Spirit”. When God is seen to act or move within his creation, scripture refers to God using this term. “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one". - Deuteronomy 6:4 Shema Israel: YHWH eloheinu, YHWH echad. - Deuteronomy 6:4
Where we MUST Agree There is ONE Image of the ONE TRUE GOD As God is holy spirit, we know that he does not have flesh and bones. (Luke 24:39), that no man has seen God at any time (John 1:8), and that His eternal power and Godhead is invisible (Rom 1:20). Numbers 23:19 also declares that “God is not a man that he should lie, neither the Son of Man, that he should repent.” Isaiah 9:6 predicted that there would be a Son born to the people of Israel whose name would be called “Everlasting Father”. God revealed this plan to Abraham when he was asked to sacrifice Isaac. John 1 clearly lays out for us the plan “logos” God had for the coming his promised son. This plan for the perfect redemptive man existed in the mind of God when he set about to create humanity in the presence of his Angels (Job 38:4-7) Hebrews 1:3 declares that the man Jesus Christ was the “express image of (God’s) person”. The same God of all Creation fashioned the first man “Adam” in the image of God , that is, after the similitude of the man Jesus of Nazareth.
Where we MUST Agree The WORD (Logos) Became Flesh and Dwelt Among us. The Son of God existed merely as “logos” until necessity determined he should be born or “made flesh”. He did not exist pre-eternally without purpose in heaven waiting to empty himself of deity to become a subordinate demi-god. The “logos became flesh” (John 1:14) not as an Angel, or a demiurge, or a mere Prophet; but as a human person Jesus of Nazareth. This person was the firstborn male child born of a virgin, Mary of Nazareth, as a result her being “overshadowed” by God’s holy spirit. This child grew into the man Jesus (Yeshua) of Nazareth.(Luke 2:52). The Son of God had a human will, a human mind, a human body, a human soul, and a human spirit. The entire Godhead dwelt fully in the human person Jesus of Nazareth (Col 2:9) thereby God succeeded in taking on everything that it means to be human, while at the same time giving the human person Jesus access to the full power and holiness of God. Bearing the express image of God’s person, Jesus lived a moral life without sin. He took upon himself the burden of our souls, was punished and crucified for our sins, and resurrected giving us the hope of salvation. "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." 1 Timothy 3:16.
Where we MUST Agree The purpose of the Messiah Romans 5:12 and 19 remind us that “as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” and further, “For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous” If Adam had not sinned, humanity would have no need for a savior. “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” (2 Cor 5:19) “He who has seen Me has seen the Father…” (John 14:9) There is no longer a chasm of separation between God and Man because Christ fulfilled his divine purpose. In these last days, God has given us His divine and holy spirit to dwell within us, the Holy Ghost which is the Spirit of the Risen Christ unites us with Christ changing us and transforming us entirely as a new creation, born again into the kingdom of God.
Where we might diverge, but maintain our fellowship
Where we might diverge ○
On our understanding of the rapture and pre, mid or post tribulation
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On the order and sequence of events relative to end time Bible Prophecy Other minor doctrines open to interpretation
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On the exact nature, composition, definition of the godhead
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On matters of personal lifestyle and holiness convictions ○ bearing of arms ○ hairstyles ○ standards of dress and modesty ○ tattoos, jewelry, adornment ○ moderate Consumption of alcohol and prescribed marijuana
Where we Must disagree And end our Christian Fellowship
Where we might diverge ○
Not professing that Jesus is Lord, God manifest in the flesh, and the only Son of God
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Use of hard drugs, abuse of alcohol, marijuana, edibles.
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belonging to private societes - shriners, masons, greek life, lodge, rotary, illuminati, skull & bones, etc
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belonging to organizations which promote a single race over multicculturalism
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Maintaining a criminal lifestyle
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physical, sexual, emotional, spiritual abuse of people and/or animals
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affirming LGBTQ+ and transgenderism
Where we might diverge
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Permitting Polygamy, adultery, open marriages, gay marriage, fornication, porn
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Following creeds, sectarian doctrines, or other teachings which contradict scripture
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Promoting abortion over abstinence and birth control
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Promoting political positions which contradict scripture
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promoting armed conflict in the name of the church or Jesus christ
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Using cruelty, mind games, guilt, manipulation, hypnotism, or other means to create/keep disciples